On November 20, 2025, Corexnat attended the Afepadi Technical Committee meeting in Barcelona, a key forum where regulatory developments, sector challenges, and the guidelines that will shape the immediate future of food supplements, botanical ingredients, and weight-control and sports foods were reviewed. The official agenda confirms the breadth of the technical framework addressed, with 15 thematic blocks covering labeling, controlled substances, novel foods, sustainability, foreign trade, and nutrivigilance.
For Corexnat, this meeting represents a point of reaffirmation: “this is 100% who we are now.” The company’s identity—technical, regulatory, aligned with good practices and science—fits fully with Afepadi’s approach. What follows is a detailed analysis aimed at the professional reader within the sector.
A more demanding and more technical regulatory environment
The meeting began with the mandatory reminder of competition law rules, where Afepadi emphasized the prohibition of sharing strategic information between companies and the obligation to adhere strictly to the agenda. For Corexnat, this regulatory focus is fully consistent with its internal policy: strict compliance, transparent documentation, and action within the European regulatory framework.
Labeling: origin, allergens, claims, and accessibility
The labeling block was one of the most relevant sections of the meeting.
Origin of the primary ingredient
The obligation to declare the origin of the primary ingredient when it differs from the origin of the food was reiterated. This requirement, applicable since 2020, is a practice that Corexnat already implements for its extracts and imported raw materials.
Advanced allergen management
Updates on precautionary allergen labeling (PAL) and the documents published in 2024–2025 reinforce the need for technical precision in formulations and traceability. Corexnat maintains high standards in allergen control, aligning with these recommendations.
Nutrition and health claims
The current status of “on-hold” claims, the recent C-386/23 ruling, and the criteria for using generic and specific claims under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 were reviewed. With a catalog strongly based on botanical ingredients, Corexnat must continue to apply a conservative approach to communication and labeling, prioritizing legal certainty over commercial interpretation.
Accessible labeling and tactile QR codes
Progress on the Draft Royal Decree on accessible labeling and its conflict with Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 was a critical point. It was confirmed that adoption of the Royal Decree is postponed until legal incompatibilities with EU legislation are resolved.
Additives, debated substances, and emerging risks
The additives block reviewed substances currently restricted, banned, or under evaluation.
Titanium dioxide (E171)
The continuation of the ban was confirmed, along with a warning about customs issues arising even from mere possession of the additive—an important consideration for international operators.
Silicon dioxide (E551)
EFSA concluded that there is no risk to the population for the notified uses, which is positive news for the extracts and blends sector where this additive is commonly used.
Unauthorized extracts with technological function
Cases such as Nu-FLOW, Nu-RICE, or Nu-MAG were reviewed, considered unauthorized additives in certain applications. This underscores the importance of not presenting technological extracts as conventional ingredients.
Novel Foods: the critical axis for the botanical sector
The Novel Foods block was one of the most dense and relevant for companies working with plant extracts.
The five statuses of the European Novel Foods Catalogue were reviewed, along with new consultation and monitoring tools enabled by the Commission. For Corexnat, this set of tools is essential for the ongoing assessment of the legal status of each ingredient.
Among the most relevant cases mentioned were:
– Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), with restrictions in several countries and multiple RASFF notifications.
– Curcuminoids, differentiating traditional extracts from enhanced bioavailability technologies.
– D-chiro-inositol, referencing the Valencian case that resulted in detention and withdrawal until a history of consumption prior to 1997 was demonstrated.
– Diosmectite, considered a novel food and therefore not authorized without specific approval.
Biological and chemical safety: essential criteria
Afepadi reminded attendees that food supplements are ready-to-eat foods and must therefore meet food safety criteria such as mandatory control of Listeria monocytogenes.
In chemical safety, the limits established by Regulation (EU) 2023/915 and proposals regarding MOAH planned for application in 2030 were reviewed, as well as the status of maximum pesticide residue limits under Regulation (EC) No 396/2005.
Internationalization: customs control, PONA, and the new SAEXCERT platform
The creation of FIAB’s Customs Control Working Group was presented, particularly relevant for exporting companies. Information was also provided on the transition to SAEXCERT, the new system for issuing health certificates for products of non-animal origin, with full adoption expected before December 31, 2025. For Corexnat, this change directly impacts its international operations.
Sustainability: packaging, EUDR, and environmental claims
The meeting addressed Directive 2019/904, Royal Decree 1055/2022, the upcoming application of Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging, and the impact of Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 on deforestation (EUDR).
The latter is particularly important for companies working with agricultural raw materials such as plant extracts. Corexnat reaffirms its commitment to a sustainable and traceable supply chain.
Food supplements: working groups, sensitive substances, and nutrivigilance
Updates were reviewed on vitamins and minerals, progress (and setbacks) in the European Commission’s work to establish maximum levels, and the status of critical substances:
– Monacolins from fermented red rice, with a proposal for a total ban.
– EGCG, with an initial intention to ban except in traditional aqueous extracts.
– Alpha-lipoic acid, for which inclusion in Part B with restrictions and warnings is being considered.
– Berberine, estragole in fennel, and hydroxycitric acid in Garcinia, all currently under EFSA evaluation.
Finally, Afepadi presented the 2025–2026 Nutrivigilance Project, a voluntary system to standardize the collection of unexpected effects and strengthen consumer safety and confidence—an initiative fully aligned with Corexnat’s quality culture.
Conclusion: full alignment with what Corexnat is today
The Afepadi Technical Committee reflects a clear reality: Corexnat is fully aligned with the technical, regulatory, and scientific evolution of the sector.
Traceability, regulatory compliance, quality, sustainability, and legal rigor are the pillars that define the company. For Corexnat, this meeting is not just an event; it is confirmation of a path consistent with its current identity and future vision.